For Readers

Author Spotlight Interview: Holly Bargo

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 31, 2023

Today’s interview is with romance author Holly Bargo. Holly is also a ghost writer and editor and we enjoyed hearing more about her writing process, how she switches gears and her life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? HB: My stories go where my imagination takes them. I try to produce stories that engage the readers with realistic characters who have realistic reactions to extraordinary circumstances. I also do research to inject verisimilitude or realism into my stories, so the details ring true. HG: Tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind your books or where you get your ideas. HB: A lot of my ideas come as “what if” questions. Others arise from secondary characters in other stories wanting their stories told. That’s how I end up producing series. I don’t write stories in response to… Read More >

Thrillers To Grab Before Halloween

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 24, 2023

If you’re looking for a can’t-put-down thriller for Halloween night, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered five of the top-rated thrillers we’ve offered to Hidden Gems ARC readers this fall, each one full to the brim with action and thrills. The Jealous Wife by James Caine Expectant parents Nora and Jameson decide to move closer to her hometown to be near family. But their new neighbor is the reason Nora wanted to move away, and her name is Kelly Van Patten. Everyone falls for Kelly’s charm, except for Nora, who knows Kelly has something sinister in mind. “Whew! This was one twisted psychological thrill ride, and I loved every minute of it, right up until the mind-blowing ending. This thriller is so full of secrets and lies that the reader is constantly trying to figure out what is truly going on. It’s told in a dual perspective, alternating… Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: Amey Zeigler

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 17, 2023

Today’s interview is with author Amey Zeigler. Amey writes across multiple genres but all of her books include comedy. And, according to her official bio, because she grew up moving all around the United States, Amey loves writing about different places. In her books, she explores the whole world. It was an pleasure getting to know more about her writing process and publishing journey. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? AZ: My books are action-adventure-romantic-comedies. They aren’t boring. They aren’t your typical romance novels which is a double edged sword–they’re hard to classify, but they also go beyond tropes and one, simple storyline. They are packed with interesting situations, characters, questions, hard topics, and fun. I didn’t know about tropes when I first started writing and just wrote from the heart. Most of my books are from personal experiences and are… Read More >

Fantasy Titles to Devour This Fall

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 10, 2023

Journey into worlds unlike our own in these 5 fantasy titles recently read and reviewed by Hidden Gems ARC readers – and remember, if you want to receive free fantasy books like these – or others from 15 different genres – just sign up today and select your favorites. The Renegades by Renata Riva After King Jethron Bloodthorne takes Iiriniss’ family, land and freedom, she swears to avenge her father. When she rescues a severely wounded prince from an ambush, she realizes it is Prince Terven, son of the King. But she can’t let him die, she has a debt to repay him. Over time, she learns that he is not like his father and two brothers. While Iiriniss and her sisters have found an ally, they also have found themselves in even more danger. “From the start of the book, you are drawn in and can’t put it down…. Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: Papa Paws

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 3, 2023

Today’s interview is with Nicholas J. Nawroth also known as author Papa Paws. Papa Paws along with his wife Mama Paws have created an entire heartwarming collection of children’s books about Molly Paws and her family. It was a pleasure getting to know more about their writing process and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? PP: My wife and I don’t have human children, and my purpose in creating The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws® is to tell heartwarming tales that the entire family can enjoy together. Parents taking those precious minutes out of the day to read a story to their kids. Older siblings reading to their younger brothers and sisters. Grandparents having some quality time with their grandchildren. Making books that can make story time memorable and fun. That’s what it’s all about for… Read More >

Women’s Fiction Novels To Add to Your Fall TBR

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 26, 2023

Women’s Fiction varies from playful, flirty, and fun to heartfelt and deeply emotional. Today we’ve put together a list of 5 women’s fiction novels that were highly rated by Hidden Gems ARC readers recently. The Regrettable Decision by Aria Emend After going through with a marriage that had her wondering if she was making a terrible mistake, Zarayah’s new marriage has gone from bad to worse, and his secrets are revealed. Her family might be right, maybe he is not good enough for her. “This is not your typical romance novel. This is a story of strength, resilience and most of all empowerment. The book is well written and very easy to read and brings out a lot of strong emotions,” writes Regine in their 5-star review. “This author has an excellent way of describing the characters, setting and emotional relationships with fluidity. She made me feel like I knew… Read More >

Romance Novels To Fall for this Fall

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 19, 2023

Are you looking to fall in love this fall? Well as long as it’s a book boyfriend you’re after, we have you covered. Today we’ve brought a variety of romance novels to tickle the fancy of whatever it is you’re into, from muscled single dads to businessman bachelors. These books were popular with our ARC readers, which means you’ll probably love them as well.  Illicit Ink by Carmen Bishop Zander Dorsey is tall, muscled, and tattooed. He also doesn’t do relationships, which is perfect for Rose because she is not looking for one. With over 370 reviews, and an average 4.5 star rating on Amazon, Illicit Ink is a spicy, one-night stand, single dad romance. “This is the first Dorsey Brothers book I have read, and I’m glad I jumped in,” writes Fanchon in their five-star review. “This book was a steamy read that kept me pulled in from beginning… Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: Max Watson

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 12, 2023

Today’s interview is with author Max Watson. Watson write new adult romances with notably strong women. It was an honor getting to know more about her writing process and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? MW: I write new adult romances and I specialize in deep first person POV. I love to develop my characters and really focus on the aspects of the human struggles we each face and handle differently. Cinnamon roll type men and strong women are my personal character type favorites to write! HG: Love it! When did you know you were ready to take on the title of author? MW: I have always been an avid reader. In fact, my first ever job I was paid in books because books are more valuable than money to me. But even though I devoured a book… Read More >

Mystery Novels to curl up with this Fall

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 5, 2023

Are you looking for a page-turning mystery as you prepare for the cozy vibes of Fall? Today we’ve rounded up a collection which includes a variety of mystery novels that have been popular and well liked by Hidden Gems ARC readers. Sins of the Lines by Sharhonda Exantus When Nia Bryant disappears right after she becomes a member of the Kappa Theta Theta sorority, Detective Chris Evans and his partner are faced with lies, betrayals, and the long buried secrets of Nia’s life. “This book legit took me to another place!!” Jamie S. wrote in their five-star review. “The author left me wanting more after every chapter making it impossible to put this book down!!! I really appreciate the fact that I was able to continue to guess who was the killer throughout the book as it gets into the action very quickly! I definitely recommend this book for crime… Read More >

Author Spotlight Interview: Bethany Maines

By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 29, 2023

Today’s interview is with author Bethany Maines. According to her official bio, Bethany is the author of romantic action-adventure and fantasy tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. It was an pleasure getting to know more about her writing process and life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BM: I generally say that I write Women’s Action-Adventure. It’s feminist, funny, romantic and action-packed. I’ve gotten a few eye rolls from industry “insiders” because that’s not a BISAC genre category. On the other hand, readers all know exactly what I mean and since readers are who I care about… 🤷‍♀️ I’ve tried out a fairly wide variety of genres – mystery, crime, paranormal romance, sci-fi, romantic suspense – but the through-line is that my heroines… Read More >